Increase in filmed attacks on firefighters

Attacks on firefighters are increasingly being filmed on people’s phones, the body representing them has said.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Wales said firefighters have faced fireworks and rocks thrown at them, as well as abusive comments over the past decade.

The union said attacks could put lives at risk by slowing response times down.

Gareth Tovey from FBU Wales said: “The worst thing is, it means that we need to potentially withdraw from that situation and we have to remember we were only ever there to go and make sure people are safe.”

While Bonfire Night is the busiest night of the year for firefighters, Mr Tovey said these attacks were not limited to 5 November.

“We certainly see these attacks on crews throughout the year, at different holiday events and through different school holidays.”

Home Office figures recorded a 60% increase in attacks across the UK compared to 10 years ago.

“We are disappointed and appalled really, that firefighters are facing attacks from the public,” Mr Tovey said.

“You are taunted and with phones held up, filming you by groups of youth sometimes and that can really affect you.”

Steven Davies, a group manager at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said fire engines were equipped with CCTV and anyone spotted throwing fireworks would be prosecuted.

He also warned people thinking of having their own bonfires not too have them too close to their or anyone else’s home, or they would face having them put out by fire crews.

“We will work with the police and local authorities to monitor any bonfires which might be too big or too close to properties,” he added.

Special PC Ben Johns said police officers were also faced with abuse on Bonfire Night and extra patrols would be put on to deal with anti-social behaviour.

While patrolling on Halloween, Special PC Johns was out with a team that was attacked by a group who threw fireworks and eggs at the police van.

“I think it’s something as police officers we shouldn’t be subject to but we are quite resilient, if you were a member of the public and that was happening it would be incredibly scary,” he said.

He said the van was taken out of service to check it was safe, which meant the team could not respond to 999 calls.

Special PC Johns said he wanted people to enjoy Bonfire Night safely but the date always sparked an increase in anti-social behaviour.

In Ruthin, Denbighshire, Ernest Martin, 77, wants to see more regulation around fireworks.

“Last night the cat was running across the living room, it was strange,” he said.

“We keep him in because of the fireworks. We don’t have much trouble in Denbigh anyway, we have the youngsters who want to be a bit stupid but otherwise it’s OK.”

While James Watt, 25, from Cardiff, said he enjoyed Bonfire Night but worried about the impact on animals.

“My cat can get a bit timid, especially when the explosions are going on quite loudly,” he said.

Mary Slater, 84, said, while her dog doe not mind fireworks going off, her son’s dog was “absolutely terrified”.

The Welsh government said it condemns “in the strongest terms attacks on members of the emergency services at any time of the year.”

“Firefighters should be able to serve the public without fear of being attacked while on duty,” it added.